The United States has reaffirmed its security partnership with Nigeria, commending the government's response to recent attacks in Plateau State and supporting efforts to strengthen the country's military capabilities.
The US Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs, in a post on X on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government to sustain efforts to protect communities affected by violence, particularly in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“The United States commends Nigeria’s strong response to the latest attacks from Fulani militant groups,” the bureau said.
“We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to protect Christians in the Middle Belt.
“We urge Nigeria to continue the momentum and defend the Barkin Ladi communities in particular.”
The statement followed a series of attacks and reprisals in Plateau State, particularly in Barkin Ladi, where several people have been killed in recent weeks.
On September 27, six people were reportedly killed while two others sustained injuries when gunmen attacked a mining site in Lajam Marit village, Ropp district, Barkin Ladi.
The Plateau State Government had earlier imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on Barkin Ladi, Bokkos and Mangu local government areas following a series of attacks and reprisals.
The measure, announced on September 22, directed residents to remain indoors between 6pm and 6am until further notice.
The curfew followed the reported killing of a priest, Andy Samuel, at Marit Junction, while another person was injured.
Earlier, on September 20, five Fulani men were reportedly killed when suspected Berom militia attacked their vehicle near a security checkpoint in Barkin Ladi.
On September 10, two people were also reportedly killed in attacks on Fulani herders along the Jong-Nyeriwei road and in Dorowa Babuje community, with several cattle allegedly rustled.
The incidents have heightened security concerns in Plateau, prompting the deployment of troops and other security personnel to affected areas.
In a separate statement, the US Mission in Nigeria highlighted the planned acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters by Nigeria as part of the two countries' broader security cooperation.
“US-Nigeria security cooperation continues to advance our shared efforts to strengthen regional security,” the mission said.
It added that the proposed acquisition underscored the commitment of both countries to strengthening Nigeria's defence capabilities and addressing current and emerging security threats.
“The United States values continued cooperation with Nigeria in support of peace, security, and stability,” the mission said.
The proposed helicopter acquisition is part of a wider US-Nigeria defence relationship covering counterterrorism, maritime and border security, military training and defence equipment.
In April 2022, the US State Department approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Nigeria involving 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters and related equipment estimated at $997 million.
The package included 28 T700-GE-401C engines, 2,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance sections, logistics support and training.
The US said the proposed sale was intended to enhance Nigeria's capacity to address security threats, support regional stability and improve interoperability with US and other Western forces.
The planned acquisition followed the 2017 sale of 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to Nigeria for $497 million.
The US State Department said Nigeria made its first payment for the AH-1Z helicopters in August 2023.
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